Mahama swears in Tony Aidoo, Victor Smith

President John Dramani Mahama on Friday swore in two envoys, Tony Aidoo and Victor Smith, at the Flagstaff House, Kanda.

While Mr. Aidoo, the former Head of Policy Monitoring and Evaluation at the Presidency, is heading to The Netherlands, Victor Smith, a former Eastern Region Minister, will serve in The United Kingdom. President Mahama tasked the two to use their new roles to attract investments into the country.

"Ambassadorial positions are now postings where people go to work hard to attract investment and economic opportunity for their countries," President Mahama indicated.

"Formal diplomacy and cocktail, champagne drinking are no longer the main thrust of diplomatic work but hard, grinding work to try and create opportunities for the home country."

On behalf of Mr. Smith, Mr. Aidoo assured the president that they will work hard to keep the positive image of Ghana.

"I can assure you, Mr. President, that we will perform to promote the positive image of our country and the socio-economic development of its people," Mr. Aidoo assured.

The two are the first batch of 10 high commissioners and ambassadors appointed by President Mahama early this year to be posted to various countries.

The president administered the oaths of office, allegiance and secrecy.

Meanwhile, the Russian Ambassador to Ghana, Vladimir Barbin, has bidden farewell to Ghana after a four-year term. He was at the Presidency to formally inform President Mahama of his departure.